Advice on cutting long grass lawns in the spring and worm casts on lawn in the spring
When it comes to cutting long grass in the spring, it’s important to start with a high cutting height and gradually lower it over the course of several mowings. This allows the grass to recover from winter dormancy and encourages healthy growth. Here are some additional tips:
- Make sure your lawnmower blades are sharp. Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can lead to brown spots and disease.
- Mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass can be slippery and difficult to cut evenly.
- Don’t remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Removing too much can stress the grass and leave it vulnerable to disease.
- Consider leaving grass clippings on the lawn. They can provide valuable nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
As for worm casts on the lawn in the spring, they can be unsightly and may make it difficult to mow the lawn evenly. Here are some tips for dealing with them:
- Use a stiff brush or rake to break up the worm casts before mowing. This will help prevent clumps of soil from clogging your lawnmower.
- Apply a lawn sand or soil conditioner to discourage worms from surfacing. These products can make the soil less attractive to worms, which may help reduce the number of worm casts.
- Consider using a biological control agent to reduce worm populations. Nematodes are tiny parasitic worms that can infect and kill earthworms. They are safe for people, pets, and wildlife, and can help keep worm populations in check.
- Improve the drainage of your lawn to make the soil less attractive to worms. Aerate the soil, top-dress with sand, and avoid over-watering to reduce the likelihood of worm casts.